Saluda river questions

[scottoutdoors71]

I was just wondering if anyone could give me some tips on fishing the Saluda river in SC. I was wondering what are some promising areas and hazards to look for. Thanks!
Tight lines to all!

[Windknot]

I'm assuming you mean the tailwater out of Lake Murry. Very heavy flows and not much wadable water. I understand it is stocked, but be very careful!

[flyflicker]

Unfortunantly, the Saluda has very little public access. There are only two decent public access points to fish for trout. One is Saluda shoals park off of Bush River Rd. about 3 mi. below the Lake Murray dam. There is a $4 fee to enter the park. Another is at the Riverbanks Zoo. The shoals is a better trout spot. There is another access available to Saluda River TU chapter members only, but if you post a "take me fishing" message on our website www.saludatu.org I'm sure one of the members will be happy to take you. You must register on the site in order to be able to post on the message board. There are some releases from the dam that can be dangerous. Make sure you keep an eye on the water level and leave the river as soon as you see the level rising. You have very little time between the start of the rise and a 6-8' increase in the water level. There is a river level link on the site so you can check the current flow and level. Flows greater than 1000 cfs make the river un-wadeable. Ideal flows are 500-800 cfs.
That said, there is some excellent fishing to be had. The fish have come through the spring in fine shape since the winter stocking. Bows and Browns to 22" are not uncommon, with the average fish in the 12-13" range. Fish will take nymphs such as prince, PT, GRHE, brown stones, boogers, soft hackles, etc. with brown, olive, and grey the best colors. For dries use EHC, Adams, Sulphurs, and any good emerger pattern. I generally use larger sizes in the 12-16 range for dries and 12-4 in the nymphs although there are days when the fish will only take tiny midge patterns size 20-26. You can also hang into some of the biguns using clousers and decievers which will catch the stripers that come upriver in May-June.

[scottoutdoors71]

thanks for the tips guys, much appreciated. sounds promising!

Tight Lines to All!